Advocacy
Let’s keep it simple. Advocacy is about making sure that the views and opinions of individuals are heard and respected. Our staff can act as representatives for people who would like support in expressing their opinions which sometimes means the worker will speak up on the person’s behalf and/or will just be there in a supporting role and sit alongside the person as they speak up for themselves.
The staff at Ceartas have an awareness of relevant legislation but it is important to note that we are not lawyers or legally trained. If you need a lawyer we can help you access one.
It’s not just us that think advocacy is important, it’s mentioned in legislation such as the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act or other documents like the National Care Standards that guides Care home provision in the country.
We recognise that being alone in the midst of a health or social work meeting, or having to attend a tribunal when you are not feeling 100%, is not a nice place to be. So that is why we are available to assist.
Sometimes people contact us directly, others ask for advocacy support from ourselves through another professional or maybe a person’s carer gets in touch to chat. Whatever way you choose to contact us we will always take time to chat and try and help where we can.
Ceartas provides advocacy in several different ways:
Casework Example
Ceartas were approached by a Mental Health Officer appointed to a young woman detained under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 following the birth of her baby.
The advocacy worker met with Alice* a number of times prior to the Mental Health Tribunal to discuss the process, her rights and to help her prepare for the hearing. The advocacy worker also supported Ms B to appoint a solicitor to represent her at the Tribunal. The advocacy worker also worked with Ms B to prepare a statement to read at the tribunal to support her case.
Professionals involved in Ms B's case felt that detention under the act was required to stabilise her condition. While Ms B agreed that she required treatment and support she felt that detention was excessive as she was willing to engage with the treatment and support offered.
The advocacy worker supported Ms B to put forward her views to the tribunal. After consideration the Tribunal agreed that detention was not required and that treatment on a voluntary basis was appropriate.
* In order to protect the person identity their name has been changed.